Woman Charged With Attack On Mary J. Blige's Dad Found Competent For Trial
BATTLE CREEK (WWJ/AP) - A woman who authorities say stabbed the father of Grammy-winning singer Mary J. Blige has been found mentally competent to stand trial.
Calhoun County District Court Judge Frank Line made the ruling Thursday after 50-year-old Cheryl White, of Battle Creek, got a mental exam at the request of her lawyers.
White is charged with assault with intent to murder. Police say she stabbed 63-year-old Thomas Blige in the neck, arm and side on Jan. 23 outside his Battle Creek apartment.
Police say Blige was attacked while confronting White, who was deflating his vehicle tires. Paramedics later found Blige inside his apartment, on the floor in a pool of blood. A broken kitchen knife was also found nearby. Blige, who was conscious, was able to tell police that White attacked him. When she was arrested, White was still wearing blood splattered clothes.
A defense lawyer has said that White doesn't seem to understand what happened that morning.
Prior to the attack, officials said police had investigated at least seven reports of domestic violence between White and Blige since August.
Mary J. Blige is a Grammy award winner whose hits include "Real Love," "No More Drama" and "Family Affair."
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